OPTIONS FOR S6

New Expectations for S6 There are 6 columns in a timetable 4 columns will be in classes or supervised study 1 column will be for school/community service (this will be monitored closely) 1 column will be available for you to use at your discretion (common room etc)

Why new expectations? S6 is an opportunity to enhance CV’s and personal statements while giving something back to the school S6 needs to have a focus or it looks like you’ve achieved nothing S6 needs to keep work ethic going so that first year after school is not a shock to the system S6 is not a jolly!!

What is school/community service? 5 periods commitment each week Final list will be confirmed in June (you are welcome to offer suggestions for this list) Ideas at the moment are work experience, volunteering in community or in school classes, being a subject ambassador and working with younger pupils, being in the head team, house/sports captains etc.

COURSE COMMITMENT 3 Advanced Highers + AH supervised study 2 Advanced Highers, 1 Higher + AH supervised study OR 4 Options 1 Advanced Higher + 3 Highers 4 Highers 1 Advanced Higher, 2 Highers + 1 National 5 etc

Advanced Higher Supervised Study? Why is this needed? AH students often have a huge workload. This will be an opportunity to help manage this workload throughout the year. Supervised classes where you can focus on getting on with work without distractions. Study teacher can help with advice on time management and organisational skills.

CAN I DO WHAT I LIKE? There is a greater degree of flexibility but your prior attainment will be looked at closely You choose options to suit where you want to get to (job, college, uni etc) BUT You must meet the course commitment Mrs McDonald has to approve every application to S6

OPTIONS SHEET No choice sheet, therefore no set columns Choose your options from the list available Rank them in order of priority – very important Information goes in to a computer program and it generates the columns Meet the deadline given because there is a lot of input after that

INFORMATION ON OPTIONS Information about all options will be available on the school website very soon (no course booklet) Read the details carefully, especially entry requirements

EXTRAS QMU Academies Creative Industries Health and Social Care Hospitality and Tourism Thursday or Friday afternoon Application form and interview

MORE EXTRAS Introduction to Digital Media Software Development (Nat 4/5) Borders College (Tuesday and Thursday afternoon) Application form and interview

EVEN MORE EXTRAS Higher Psychology (S6 only) Delivered at Borders College Classes on Thursday or Friday afternoon Short application form and research task to be completed before interview

YET MORE EXTRAS SRU School of Rugby Delivered in school by outside coaches Must have genuine interest in rugby Mr Changleng to have an input to who is accepted

LAST LOT OF EXTRAS YASS (Young Applicant Scotland Scheme) Open University modules (equivalent to Advanced Higher depending on number of credits) Introduction to Scots Law, Digital Engineering, Art History etc – list of courses available will be on the website One course only or we have to pay Apply through Mrs McDonald

WORK EXPERIENCE Work experience can count in place of school service (it must take up 5 periods worth of time) It must add value to what you are doing in school It has to be linked to your career path

WHAT NEXT? Research what you need to do to get to the next stage beyond school Meet Guidance teacher and discuss way forward Think carefully about options in order of priority Think about extras which may enhance future applications